Elaine Humphrey Petersen

. As the sun rose in the early hours of July 20, 2024, Elaine Wanda Humphrey Petersen was welcomed into the arms of her loved ones in Heaven. Having reached the age of 101 years and 202 days, she took her last breath with her daughters beside her. Elaine was born in Purcellville, Virginia on October 2,1922 to Harry and Lake Price Humphrey, and was the second oldest of six children. A member of the greatest generation, she persevered through the Great Depression and World War II and witnessed countless world events and advancements. Elaine met her husband Louis Petersen (Pearl Harbor Survivor, Naval Aviator, and Silver Eagle) through her college roommate. Thus began a life full of adventures as a Navy wife. She was a farm girl, sports lover, world traveler, news junkie, hat lover, fashionista, and a friend to all she encountered. Elaine never met a stranger. A proud Virginian who loved history, Elaine lived in a house built on land once occupied by George Washington’s pig farm at Mount Vernon. Elaine was a lifelong Lutheran whose faith sustained her through many hardships and losses. She helped in the founding of two organizations: the Fellowship Square, an affordable senior living community for vulnerable seniors in Woodbridge, Virginia and the Navy Arlington Ladies at the Arlington National Cemetery. She was most proud of being a plank owner (co-founder) of the Navy Arlington Ladies where she spent countless hours honoring those who served our country. Her most important roles were wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Elaine left an indelible mark on her family, friends, church, and community. Proceeding her in death, Louis Petersen (husband), Louis M. Petersen (son), and wife Shelia Sabo Petersen; sisters Jeanette H. Yarus, Catherine Price Humphrey, and Sabra H. Rupe; brother Harry Byrd Humphrey; brothers-in-law Howard Yarus, Theron Rupe, Jack Peterson, Herbert Peterson; sister-in-law Delores Peterson; niece Susan Peterson; nephew Harvey Yarus; and countless friends. Elaine will be missed by the children of Lou (deceased son) and Shelia (deceased daughter-in-law) Petersen; grandson Brent Petersen (Elizabeth); great grandsons Hart and Laine; granddaughter Brittany Petersen, grandson Scott Petersen (Min), and great grandson Louie. Her daughter Elaine (Chipper) Petersen Whalan (John); granddaughter Bridget Whalan Higgins (Chris) and great granddaughter Kathleen and great grandson Alexander; granddaughter Lorena Whalan Williams (Josh); great granddaughter Brooklyn, and great grandsons Herschel and Logan. Her daughter Wanda Petersen Higgins (Frank), and his sons Jeffrey (Michelle), granddaughter Sharon (great grandsons Austin and Jackson) and grandson Eric; Chris (Bridget) granddaughter Kathleen and grandson Alexander. Elaine is survived by her sister Louise Humphrey Deml, brother-in-law John Deml, sister-in-law Frances Peterson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Services will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024. Visitation 9:00 a.m. Service 10:00 a.m.at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,15695 Blackburn Road Woodbridge, Virginia. The burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers consider a contribution to: Fellowship Square Foundation Reston, VA, https://www.fellowshipsquare.org/. Epiphany Lutheran Church, 5521 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22309, Our Saviors Lutheran Church (Cemetery Fund) 7479 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23188 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 15695 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA, 22191. Navy Arlington Ladies c/o Beci Brenton 715 East Custis Ave. Alexandria, VA, 22301. For more information on the service, burial, and reception visit Pierce Funeral Home at https://www.piercefh.com. .

Elaine Humphrey Petersen

October 2, 1922 - July 20, 2024